JTF laments death of two soldiers in Bayelsa

The Joint Military Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, deployed in the Niger Delta region, has 
said that it 
was saddened by the loss of two of its personnel on Tuesday in Bayelsa State. Col. Isa Ado, spokesman
 of the task force, yesterday, confirmed the death of two soldiers in a gun duel with suspected kidnappers near Nembe in Bayelsa State.

According to him, details were still sketchy on the operation. He said: “The unfortunate 
incident
happened on Tuesday morning at Ogbolomabiri-Nembe Junction, some two kilometres from 
Nembe, 
when our troops on escort duty encountered some gunmen who happened to be
 kidnappers. “The
 kidnappers attacked our soldiers and there was exchange of gunfire and we lost two of our 
personnel. 
They (suspected kidnappers) whisked away an expatriate who works for a construction firm, 
Setraco 
and fled through the waterways. “The loss of our personnel is unfortunate, and their death in
 the line of 
duty for peace in the Niger Delta is very painful.” Their supreme sacrifice can never be in
 vain as the 
Commander of operation Pulo Shield has given stern directives to apprehend the criminals
 to face
 prosecution and free the hostage.”